Villa Franca
- Property type: Private Villas
- Sleeps: 6
- Region: Tuscany
- Location: Siena
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3
- Swimming pool: Private
- View Map
Situated only 6km along the ancient Via Cassia from stunning Siena, this superb private villa has been converted from a small country school, which closed as a result of falling birth rates. From Villa Franca's beautiful swimming pool, you gaze straight across to two imposing castles, the 12th-century Castello della Villa and the 13th-century Castello della Chiocciola, the 'castle of the snail', so named because of its distinctive spiral staircase.
Remains from the Palaeolithic period found here are now on display at the British Museum in London, donated by an English gentleman who came to be the castle's rightful owner as the result of an outrageously lucky game of poker!
While the views across the wooded hills and wheat fields have not changed in the centuries since these magnificent castles were built, the house itself has been thoroughly transformed. No traces remain of chalk dust or the sweat of generations of pupils labouring over their times-tables. Instead, Villa Franca offers exceptionally spacious and supremely comfortable accommodation of the highest quality. The large living/dining room is beautifully furnished and leads through to a well-equipped kitchen complete with washing machine and dishwasher. Each of the three spacious bedrooms (two doubles and one twin/double) have their own luxurious shower room; two of these are en suite.
Whenever you can drag yourself away from the luxury of your own pool and the splendid views, there is plenty to explore within easy striking distance. As close as Siena, in the opposite direction, is the tiny walled town of Monteriggioni, and San Gimignano can be reached by car in less than half an hour. Along the superstrada you can get to Florence in an hour, but more rewarding perhaps is to follow the old road, which leads right through the heart of Chianti Classico - 'the Chianti wine route'. There are also lovely country walks on your doorstep.
The nearest eating place is just about 900 metres away along the quiet country road that runs past the property, so you could occasionally leave your car behind and sample the wares of the Chianti region without having to worry about driving home.
Accommodation
The house is all on one level with a large mature garden enclosed by hedging surrounding the property. A furnished loggia is located just outside the living room and offers a nice shady spot and fine views when dining alfresco.
Ground Floor: Large comfortably furnished living room with satellite TV, open fireplace, door to terrace and garden. Spacious dining kitchen with table and chairs, gas hob, microwave oven, fridge/freezer, door to garden. Hallway with little recessed storage area with iron and ironing board. Bathroom with 4pc suite and shower. Two double bedrooms with french doors to terrace and one with an en-suite bathrooms with 4pc suite and shower. Twin/double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with 4pc suite and shower.
Grounds
The garden is mainly laid to lawn and is enclosed on all sides by mature hedging. The property affords extensive views over the surrounding countryside and to the magnificent 12th-century Castello della Villa and the 13th-century Castello della Chiocciola.
Facilities
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Barbecue
- Satellite TV
- Private pool
- Cot & Highchair (on request)
Pool details
Private pool: 10x5m, 1.2 - 2.5m deep with steps for entry/exit.
Access road
Easy access.
Airports
Nearest airport: Pisa 1hr 50min, Florence 1hr 10min. Perugia 1hr 45min.
Distances
Siena 9km, San Gimignano 31km, Castellina in Chianti 21km, Radda in Chianti 33km, Greve in Chianti 41km, Florence 65km, Montepulciano 73km, Pisa 119km,
| Arrival Date | Departure Date | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 28/08/2010 | 25/09/2010 | Weekly rate: £1660 |
| 25/09/2010 | 30/10/2010 | Weekly rate: £1060 |
| 30/10/2010 | 25/12/2010 | Weekly rate: £760 |
| 25/12/2010 | 01/01/2011 | Weekly rate: £1660 |
Prices include
- Household linen and towels
- Utilities
Prices do not include
- Heating
Security Deposit
On arrival you will be asked for a security deposit of €300 payable in cash. The security deposit will be returned to you at the end of your rental.
Arrival Times
Arrivals expected between 16.00 - 19.00 hrs. If you are going to be late, you MUST advise us or the owner/keyholder in advance. Property to be vacated no later than 10.00am on day of departure.
